Dr. Amber Asher

Daniel Rosenbach and his family are restoring Amarillo's historic helium plant and transforming it into a new community gathering place. In this conversation, we explore the fascinating history behind Amarillo becoming the "Helium Capital of the World," including the plant's role in wartime efforts and its decades of operation before being decommissioned. We also talk about the challenge of preserving the history and character of a place while bringing it back to life for a new generation.

Amber Asher is a neuroscientist focused on brain health and aging, but the work she's doing extends far beyond research. Alongside her mother—a longtime nursing home nurse—Amber is helping communities have more honest, informed conversations about dementia, Alzheimer's, and the mental health challenges that often come with aging. Together, they're combining science, lived experience, and practical care to make difficult topics feel more approachable and less isolating for families. It's a thoughtful conversation about caregiving, compassion, and the importance of understanding the people we love as they age.

Ricky Treon is the director of publishing at Blue Handle Publishing—one of Amarillo's own small, independent publishing houses. Ricky's path into publishing isn't a straight line. He came up in the newspaper world, witnessing firsthand the rapid shifts and challenges that reshaped the industry. From there, he moved into writing, explored acting, and ultimately found himself helping bring other people's stories to life. In this conversation, we talk about what it actually takes to move a story from your head onto a bookshelf, the evolving media landscape, and what it means to commit to small business in an economy dominated by large-scale corporations. It's also a reminder that meaningful, creative work is happening right here in Amarillo—and that there's still space for independent voices to be heard. If you've ever thought about writing a book, starting something of your own, or just wondered how creative industries are changing, this one's worth your time.

In this episode of Hey Amarillo, we sit down with Paige Nester, the owner of Creek House Honey Farm—a place that's so much more than its name suggests. What started as an apiary has grown into a full experience: a farm, café, event venue, shop, and home to everything from handcrafted mead to skincare products. Paige is thoughtful, sharp, and genuinely funny, and our conversation follows the path of how she built something so multifaceted—and how it continues to evolve. We talk about the story behind that long name (it means more than you'd think), the unexpected and fascinating history of the land they're on, and what it really looks like to grow a business that's both rooted and constantly changing. And of course, we talk about bees—their importance, the benefits they bring, and the very real challenges of working with them.

This week on Hey Amarillo, I sit down with Jamelle Conner, president of Amarillo College. We talk about her upbringing in Florida and the path that eventually brought her to Amarillo, along with what it's really like to lead one of the most important institutions in our community. Jamelle is sharp, thoughtful, and deeply focused on the work that still needs to be done—both for students and for Amarillo as a whole. It's a conversation about leadership, purpose, and showing up for a community in meaningful ways.

Episode Description Jody Holland has spent his career studying people—how we think, how we change, and what actually makes that change possible. As an executive coach, he works with leaders and teams to improve the way they show up and work together. But this conversation goes beyond titles and into something more practical: the patterns we all fall into, the psychology behind them, and the tools that can help us better understand ourselves and the people around us. We talk about what gets in the way of change, what makes it stick, and how small shifts in awareness can lead to something bigger over time. Jody brings both depth and humor to the conversation, making complex ideas feel accessible and immediately applicable. It's a thoughtful, engaging conversation filled with insights you'll likely find yourself coming back to.

Judge Titiana Frausto always knew she wanted to serve on the bench—she just didn't expect it to happen so early in her career. In this episode, she shares what it looked like to move through law school and into practice, working in both criminal and family law and the realities that come with each. We talk about the weight of that work, the perspective it builds, and how those experiences prepared her for what came next. Judge Frausto was first appointed by the governor and later elected to serve as district judge for the 181st District Court, covering Potter and Randall Counties. She reflects on that transition—from practicing attorney to judge—and what it means to step into a role that carries both authority and responsibility in a very public way. We also spend time on something more personal: the moment she began to understand her role in representation. As a young Black woman serving in this position, she reflects on when that realization came into focus, and how it continues to shape the way she shows up in her work today. It's a thoughtful conversation about ambition, timing, and stepping into a role you've been working toward—sometimes sooner than expected.

There are certain places in Amarillo that feel like more than just a restaurant—they feel like part of the fabric of growing up here. Sharky's Burrito Company is one of those places. I this episode, we sit down with Brent Epps, the longtime owner of Sharky's, to talk about the restaurant's 20+ year run and the life he's built in the food industry. Brent didn't just land here—he came up through some of Amarillo's most beloved spots, learning the business from the ground up and carrying those lessons with him. But what stands out most about Brent isn't just the longevity or the success—it's the way he shows up for people. Over the years, Sharky's has been a first job for countless young people in Amarillo, and Brent has played a quiet but meaningful role in shaping those early work experiences. He leads with care, consistency, and a genuine investment in others. We talk about the evolution of the restaurant, what it takes to stay relevant for decades, and why creating a place people feel connected to matters. This is a conversation about food, yes—but more than that, it's about community, mentorship, and doing things the right way for a long time.

Amarillo City Councilman David Prescott is a business owner, doctoral candidate, and someone who brings both expertise and candor to public service. David owns Talon LPE, an environmental cleanup company that operates across several states, and that real-world experience shapes how he thinks about the city's biggest challenges. But as he shares in this conversation, serving on council has come with its share of new challenges to address. We talk honestly about what that's looked like — the pressure, the criticism, and the reality of making decisions when there isn't an easy answer. David doesn't shy away from the harder parts of the job, including how certain votes have played out and what it's like to navigate those moments publicly. Our conversation also turns to some of the biggest issues facing Amarillo right now, from long-term water concerns to the ongoing discussion around the Fermi data center, and what it will take for the city to build something sustainable and lasting. David has a way of making complex topics feel approachable without oversimplifying them. He's thoughtful, direct, and willing to say what he actually thinks — even when it's uncomfortable. And somewhere in the middle of all that, he's also pretty funny. This is a conversation about leadership, responsibility, and what it really takes to move a city forward.

Chad Johnson is the new reverend at Amarillo United Methodist Church. We talk about what it's like to step into a new community and a new role at the same time. Chad shares his early impressions of Amarillo, how those first expectations compare to the reality of living here, and what has stood out to him as he gets to know the city. We also spend time talking about his path to becoming a pastor, a journey he describes with a great deal of joy, honesty, and thoughtfulness. Our conversation explores the role of the church today, the broader societal trends shaping faith communities, and the United Methodist Church split that led to the formation of his relatively new congregation. Throughout it all, Chad offers a perspective that is grounded, open, and deeply rooted in care for others. It's a meaningful conversation about calling, community, and what it looks like to lead with both conviction and compassion.